The king had gathered the court to celebrate the end of the 160th year since Aegon’s Landing, and the opening othe 161st. It was to be a festive occasion, despite the dire news from Dorne, because the king was confident that his cousin Lord Oakenfist would settle matters despite Lord Tyrell’s death, the loss of his men, and the firestorm of rebellion that set that hot, miserable land. In the course of the feast, the king was able to convince most of those present that it was a matter of time before Velaryon, his fleet, and his forces would bring Sunspear into line, and the rest of Dorne must soon follow. He even announced that Ser Ardon Tyrell, the late Lord of Highgarden’s brother, would be Lord Protector on behalf of his infant nephew Leo, showing that he did not simply dwell on Dorne to the exclusion of all else in the realm. The courtiers, convinced by the king’s utter confidence, celebrated with more cheer.

It was late, late indeed when the king withdrew, having learned that at last a witness of events at Dorne had arrived by a swift galley dispatched from the fleet. Doubtless the man would explain Ser Alyn’s plans. The knight, Ser Andry Chester, late of Starfall, was ushered in. He was questioned about Ser Alyn.

And he revealed that Oakenfist had been captured at Sunspear, the victim of unfortunate timing as he paid a diplomatic visit to Prince Marence Martell just as the news of Lyonel Tyrell’s murder and the uprising in Hellholt and Sandstone swept Sunspear.

That news changed everything. And now, circulating through the halls and chambers of Maegor’s Holdfast, through the towers of the Red Keep, to the manses and hovels of King’s Landing, is something new:

King Daeron will ride to war in Dorne once more. Already, ravens have been flying, and it’s said he’s gathered a number of veterans of the Dornish campaign to assist and advise him, while his stewards and officials are busily arranging supply, quartering, and recruitment. The city is abuzz with it, with nervous excitement and a little fear, as the king’s confidence gives way to determination.